Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil kicks off the Sixth Nadi Utsav on Thursday, leading talks on how rivers support community livelihoods, ecology, and cultural traditions. This three-day river festival, running from September 25 to 27 in New Delhi, celebrates rivers as essential lifelines that shape lives, landscapes, and imaginations.
Organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture, the event packs in exciting programs to highlight the deep bond between people and their rivers. At the heart of it all is a National Seminar called ‘Riverscape Dynamics: Changes and Continuity.’ Experts and scholars will dive into topics like traditional river knowledge, myths about river gods, rivers in art and crafts, and the science behind these vital waterways.
Organizers received over 300 research papers for the seminar, and they’ll feature 45 of the best ones. The University of Delhi’s English Department is teaming up to make these discussions even richer, focusing on the cultural, ecological, and artistic sides of rivers.
Alongside the seminar, catch the ‘My River Story – Documentary Film Festival.’ It spotlights powerful films like ‘Gotakhors: Disappearing Diving Communities,’ ‘River Man of India,’ ‘Arth Ganga,’ ‘Molai – Man Behind the Forest,’ ‘Cauvery – River of Life,’ and ‘Ladakh – Life along the Indus.’ These documentaries tackle environmental issues, local customs, and the unbreakable human ties to rivers, showing how river systems influence daily life and nature.
The festival wraps up on September 27 with a panel discussion on ‘Life along the Rivers: Tributaries and Livelihoods.’ Practitioners and experts will share stories about how rivers sustain communities and blend ecology with cultural practices.
For some artistic flair, enjoy live performances including classical music on rivers by Guru Sudha Raghuraman and her group, the storytelling show ‘Ganga Gaatha’ (Dastangoi) by Himanshu Bajpai and Pragya, and soulful river songs from Bengal performed by Saurav Moni and his ensemble. These acts bring river traditions to life through music, poetry, and oral tales from across India.
Don’t miss the Nadi Anubhav exhibition at the Darshanam Gallery, open from September 25 to 30. Curated by Anuj Agarwal, it showcases modern artworks, classic Kalighat paintings, photos, and poetry all inspired by rivers. It’s a perfect spot where art meets environmental awareness.
IGNCA held a press conference on Tuesday to preview the Nadi Utsav. Prof. K. Anil Kumar, head of the Janapada Sampada Division, explained that the festival honors rivers not just as natural resources but as cultural treasures. Convenor Abhay Mishra added that it bridges old traditions with today’s world, helping communities stay connected to their river heritage.
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